CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26497 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Finger tendon transfer — 9.52 work RVU, about $879.78 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 9.52
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 14.78
- PE RVU (facility)
- 14.78
- MP RVU
- 2.04
- Office payment
- $879.78
- Facility payment
- $879.78
How the payment is calculated
Total RVU is work plus practice expense plus malpractice, each adjusted by its GPCI factor, then multiplied by the conversion factor. For 26497 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (9.52 + 14.78 + 2.04) × $33.4009 ≈ $879.78. The same code in a facility setting pays about $879.78 because facility PE RVU (14.78) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26497 non-facility payment from $777.13 to $1,101.34 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to San Jose-sunnyvale-santa Clara (san Benito Cnty). Check your exact locality in the GPCI calculator rather than using a state average.
Related codes
Checking a different code or locality? Open the full RVU calculator to run any of the 7,790 CPT/HCPCS codes with your own GPCI factors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 work RVU for CPT 26497?
9.52. Work RVU measures physician time, skill, and intensity — it does not change by setting or locality. Total payment adds practice expense and malpractice RVUs plus the conversion factor.
How much does Medicare pay for CPT 26497 in 2026?
About $879.78 non-facility ($879.78 facility) at national GPCI with the 2026 $33.4009 conversion factor. Your locality GPCI moves the number — see the range above.
Does the work RVU change between office and facility?
No. Work RVU (9.52) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (14.78 office vs 14.78 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.